Johnson beat Steve Grace, a journeyman who works at Tenneco Automotive, 72 percent to 28 percent.

Shirkey is seeking his second term in the Legislature. He's part of a Republican majority in the Legislature that has pushed through tax decreases for businesses and spending cuts in education and other areas.

Handout photoBonnie Johnson

Shirkey, 57, is owner of the Jackson manufacturing company Orbitform.

Johnson, 64, is a retired Michigan Department of Corrections officer who has been a union activist.

Neither candidate could be reached for comment Tuesday night.

Shirkey represents the 65th State House District, which includes Blackman, Columbia,
Grass Lake, Henrietta, Leoni, Liberty, Norvell, Rives, Springport,
Tompkins and Waterloo townships in Jackson
County. The district also includes Cambridge Township in Lenawee County
and the city of Eaton Rapids along with Hamlin and Brookfield townships
in Eaton County.